One Dear Friend

A loyal, unpretentious friend

Is such a rare and unique blend

Of kindness, patience, tenderness,

Of truth, and love, and thoughtfulness.

A friend is light where'er you grope,

In darkness, a bright torch of hope.

A friend is warmth when days are cold,

When nights are long and griefs unfold,

When going's hard and hills are steep,

When doubts engulf and shadows creep.

A friend will sow bright smiles around

To grow like flowers in fertile ground.

An unsung, take-for-granted friend

Is true and faithful to the end.

A friend shares joys when sun shines through

And stays when storm clouds veil the blue.

A friend will wipe away your tears

And hug you close to quiet fears.

Some friends are young, and some are old.

Some friends are timid: some are bold.

One's friends may not always agree

Or yield to grant some foolish plea;

But God, this prayer to bless I send

Because I treasure each dear friend.

If I should someday lose my wealth,

My family, talents, and my health

And wind up with a pauper's share

Of things that once had been so fair,

I know that I will blessed be

If one dear friend is near to me.

By Lois Hurst Beattie

Many Thanks to Kirsten who is always

"One Dear Friend"